Ventura on Friday called the state's second-largest newspaper the "St. Paul Pioneer Porn" for running advertisements for X-rated movies and strip clubs in its sports section.

Ventura was angered by criticism from the paper's editorial page staff and columnists after the governor's appearance as a referee on Aug. 22 at SummerSlam, a World Wrestling Federation event. The governor said the newspaper was hypocritical by criticizing him for appearing at an event with choreographed violence, scantily clad women and vulgar language when it runs advertisements for X-rated movies and strip clubs.

Ventura felt the newspaper "ought to take a look at their own policies" if they were going to criticize professional wrestling, Wodele said.

Ventura told listeners during his radio show that he planned to cancel all subscriptions to the newspaper in the governor's office and deny interview requests from the paper's reporters.

Wodele refused to comment on whether Pioneer Press reporters would be granted interviews with the governor.